Hayden happy to be back on field

With most of the national publicity having subsided, D.J. Hayden was back doing what he loves best: wearing a helmet, playing cornerback, and knocking down passes in the defensive secondary.

The Raiders rookie cornerback became a national story when the Raiders drafted him on April 25, less than five months after a freak practice collision ruptured a vein leading to his heart.

Surgeons repaired the vein -- the injury had a 95 percent fatality rate -- and had to cut through his sternum to do it.

Hayden lost 25 pounds. It took him more than three weeks to start walking. But when Hayden came back, he came back fast. By his Pro Day, Hayden was able to run a 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash and re-establish himself as a potential first-round draft pick.

Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said the Raiders would have taken Hayden with the third overall pick had not a trade been available to move down to No. 12 and get Miami's second-round choice.

With that as a backdrop, the football field represented normalcy to Hayden at the Raiders rookie minicamp.

"It felt so great just to be out there, to put the helmet back on and actually be back on the field," Hayden said.

Hayden practiced despite a slight hamstring strain incurred while training for his Pro Day 40-yard dash, but said he has been "completely" cleared by doctors.

On one play, Hayden missed a jam at the line of scrimmage but made a quick recovery and broke up a pass with a wide swipe of his right hand.

"I think he's looked pretty good," coach Dennis Allen said. "He made a nice play on the ball today. I'm pleased with where D.J.'s at. It's going to be a learning process. It's putting one foot in front of the other. I think when it comes time to play games this September he'll be ready to roll."

As for playing for the first time following the surgery, Hayden said he didn't really think about it in terms of it being dangerous.

"I don't even think about it," Hayden said. "The only time I think about it is when somebody asks me. But when I'm on the field I don't think about it. I think about the play, and I think about the coverage. I've put it past me."

In an e-mail, Trask said, "Earlier today, I informed Mark Davis of my decision to leave the Raiders. Having honored a commitment that I made to effectuate a smooth transition and transfer of control, I no longer wish to remain with the organization.

"For over a quarter of a century, it was my honor and my privilege to work for the Raiders. I will forever appreciate the opportunity afforded me by Al Davis."

The Raiders acknowledged Trask's departure with the following statement on the club website:

"Mark Davis, Carol Davis and the rest of the Raider family would like to thank Amy Trask for her valued contributions to the Raiders over the past 25 years. The Raiders wish her the very best in her future endeavors."

A fierce advocate for late owner Al Davis, Trask's influence in the organization was diminished since the hiring of Reggie McKenzie as general manager.

--Quarterback Tyler Wilson is making up for lost time in his quest to challenge Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor once the Raiders come together for a full organized team activity on May 20.

"Obviously, there's a lot I have to learn," Wilson said. "I've got a lot of work to do to get up to speed because there have been veteran guys that have been here that are way ahead of me right now. So I'm playing catch-up. I do think I can bring some things to the table skill-set wise."

As impressive as Wilson's passing skills were, Raiders coach Dennis Allen liked the way the quarterback took charge on the field.

"I like the way that Tyler commanded the huddle," Allen said. "I've liked the way that he's gone through his reads. He's picking up a new system, but I think he's doing a nice job. I don't think there's any question about his arm strength and his accuracy."

--Sixth-round draft pick Stacy McGee, a defensive tackle out of Oklahoma with the kind of off-field issues frowned upon by the new Raiders regime, believes he has put his problems behind him.

McGee had a DUI, a citation for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and two suspensions for violations of team rules at Oklahoma. The Raiders were on record as wanting "character" players.

Initial talks with McKenzie and the Raiders at the Combine, McGee said, were little more than simply letting them see "everything they heard wasn't me. It was just mistakes I've made."

The hope is getting away from home will be part of the maturation process.

"Getting away from my family, changing my life and the people I'm around will help a lot," McGee said.